What is a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)?

The PASS program is part of Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. People who are on SSI can set aside some of their income and assets in a PASS to help them reach a specified work goal and eventually become self-sufficient.

Can I get help applying for a PASS?

Yes. Social Security's PASS Cadres are experts in the PASS program. One of their jobs is to help people develop their PASS plans and successfully apply for the program.

Are there any medical eligibility requirements to enroll in a PASS?

Yes. To use a PASS you must continue to meet Social Security’s requirements for disability or blindness. Also, your medical condition must not prevent you from achieving your work goal.

For example, if you have difficulty standing for long periods of time and you list your work goal as becoming a traffic officer, Social Security may ask you to change that goal before they’ll approve your PASS.

Does the money I have in the bank and what I own affect my eligibility for a PASS?

Yes. To be eligible for a PASS, you must be eligible for SSI. And to be eligible for SSI, you cannot have more than $2,000 in resources ($3,000 for a couple). Certain resources are excluded, however, including the house you live in and the car you drive to work or medical appointments.

If you have resources above the SSI limits, you can put your excess resources in your PASS and qualify for SSI when you would not otherwise have been eligible. Say, for example, you have $10,000 in countable resources. You could move $8,500 into your PASS, which would reduce your countable resources to $1,500, which in turn would put you under the SSI resource limit.

How long does it take Social Security to process my PASS application?

If you turn in all your documents and provide all the information requested, Social Security should be able to process your application and let you know if you’ve been approved within one to three weeks (self-employment plans may take a little longer).

Can I qualify for a PASS while I am eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Yes. SSDI counts as income for the PASS program. If you can afford to do so, you are allowed to set aside all but $20 of your monthly SSDI cash benefit in your PASS.

Note: Whether or not you can get SSI depends on your household income and resources.

Can I qualify for a PASS while I’m on Medical Assistance (MA)?

Yes. You can use a PASS and be on MA at the same time. The money you set aside in your PASS are not counted against MA’s asset limit. If your PASS ends, however, you may need to spend down any additional resources you have that are above the MA asset limit. Note: In some cases, you may qualify for MA without an asset limit. See DB101's MA article for more information.

Can I qualify for a PASS if I'm on Section 8?

Yes. You can qualify for both PASS and Section 8. The additional assets that you save in your PASS will not affect your eligibility for Section 8 housing benefits. You may, however, need a letter from your PASS Cadre for Section 8 verification purposes.

How do I stay enrolled in a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)?

To stay enrolled in a PASS, you need to follow your written plan. If you need to make changes to your plan, or are temporarily unable to continue your plan, be sure to discuss it with your PASS Cadre. Never pay for anything with PASS funds that is not on your list of approved PASS expenses.

Are there special rules for immigrants to qualify for a PASS?

Yes. The requirements for PASS are the same for anyone who participates in Social Security disability programs. To qualify for a PASS, you must be a legal United States resident or qualified alien.

Does working have an effect on a PASS?

Yes. If you work, you may be able to set aside more money for your work goal. The money you earn that is put into a PASS is not counted as income, so you can continue to work and get Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

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Glossary

Countable earned income is the portion of your earned income that is counted by a benefits program. Earned income includes salaries, wages, tips, and any other money that you receive as pay for work that you do.

For example, the SSI program uses a special calculation to determine your countable earned income, your total countable income, and ultimately, your SSI benefit.

Countable unearned income is the portion of your unearned income that is counted by a benefits program. Funds received from sources for which no paid work activity is performed are considered "unearned income" (for example, disability benefits such as SSDI, SSI, short- and long-term disability insurance; VA benefits; Workers' Compensation; income from a trust or investment; spousal support).

For example, the SSI program uses a special calculation to determine your countable earned and unearned income, your total countable income, and ultimately, your SSI benefit.

SSDI also offers benefits to family members, including children and widows, when a primary wage earner in the family becomes disabled or dies. Additionally, adults whose disabilities began before they turned 22 may be able to get Disabled Adult Child (DAC).

A Social Security Administration program that gives cash benefits to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. The amount you get in SSI benefits is based on your financial need and your living situation. The maximum monthly SSI benefit is $771 for individuals and $1,157 for eligible couples.